Afton Wilson Johnson Wilde, beloved mother, sister, Nana, and friend, passed peacefully in her home, resting in her beautiful bed, at 10:55 p.m. on September 18, 2025. Born November 8, 1950, to Elmo Bingham Wilson and Ruby Page Wilson, Afton entered this world wrapped “in what looked like cellophane,” a unique beginning that foreshadowed the extraordinary life she would live.
Raised in Payson, Utah, in a loving home on Main Street, Afton’s bold and social spirit bloomed early. At just three years old, she perched on her front porch, greeting the schoolchildren by name, her lifelong gift for making people feel seen was already evident.
She carried that gift throughout her life, becoming a mother not only to her own children but to countless others who found unconditional love and lifelong friendship in her presence.
Afton married Kent D. Johnson and later Mitch Wilde, and though divorced from both, she built a family defined by love and resilience. She is the devoted mother of daughters Bunny Skyy and Raquel Johnson, and the proud Nana of Shelbie Rae Johnson, her granddaughter and adopted daughter, whose bond with Afton was unbreakable. Shelbie, 20, was always Nana’s princess. Afton was also Nana to her grandson, Jaxton Skyy Johnson, 15, the “man of the house,” who lovingly ensured she was cared for.
Thirteen years ago, Afton moved to St. George, Utah, where she and Bunny worked side by side raising Shelbie and Jaxton. To all who knew her, she wasn’t a “grandma”, she was Nana: a pillar of strength, fierceness, kindness, and adventure. Her career reflected her work ethic and versatility, she owned her own businesses, worked for IHC hospital, McMullin Law Firm and most recently RDI roofing company, always pouring her energy and heart into everything she did.
Afton is survived by her children Bunny Skyy, Raquel Johnson, Shelbie Rae Johnson, and Jaxton Johnson; her sisters Arlene Edsall (Dick-deceased) and Joyce Hasting (Joe); her brothers Alfred Wilson (Susan), Keith Wilson (Teri), John Wilson (Roz), and Grant Wilson (Bern); and sister-in-law Lori Wilson (Allen- deceased). She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmo and Ruby Wilson, and her brother Allen Wilson.
Graveside services will be held at the Payson Utah Cemetery- 400 N 800 E, Payson, UT 84651 (PLEASE ENTER ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE CEMETARY) on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the Emerald Eve Event Center, 192 UT 198, Salem Utah 84653 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather, share stories, eat her favorite snacks and honor Afton’s incredible life.
Afton’s legacy is one of fierce love, unwavering friendship, and joyful adventure. Once you entered her life, you were a friend for a lifetime. She was, and always will be, Nana to us all.
“I love you a bushel and a peck.”

CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE AUDIO OF THE GRAVESIDE SERVICE